Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | New Zealand > Auckland |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
Though raised in 100% old oak as with the other wines in this vintage, the Mate's Vineyard still has a smoky, spicy nose from the second fill barrels that adds a generosity and fleshiness to the peach and citrus fruit. The palate follows with a nice hint of smoke and cream bolstering juicy stone fruits, adding weight and richness. This is the broadest wine in the range, the body rounding out the fresh acidity in perfect harmony. There is still good tension that builds through to the long finish that is bright and harmonious. Ready to drink now, this will continue to evolve over the next 8 years.
Gentle notes of toasted grain mark the nose of the 2018 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay, framing ripe pineapple and white peach aromas. There's a hint of bacon fat too. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is slightly custardy and silky, while at the same time, it's crisp and focused, tightening on the finish into a coiled spring of citrus zest. Like most vintages of Mate's, this ideally needs a couple of years in the cellar to fully express itself. Drink 2021-2030.
The top-tier chardonnay here is very much in command and has a super rich and very concentrated feel with deep, ripe-peach and mango aromas with grilled-grapefruit notes, too. The palate is very rich and ripe, offering a super fleshy feel with long, rich and layered, stone-fruit flavors. Drink or hold. Screw cap.